The Forodhani of Zanzibar — Attraction in Kiponda

Nestled in the heart of Stone Town, The Forodhani Hotel offers an authentic and charming experience for travelers seeking cultural immersion in Zanzibar. Its prime location, directly across from the famous Forodhani Gardens and a short stroll from the seafront, makes it ideal for exploring the island’s vibrant history, food, and local life.

The rooms are simple yet comfortable, equipped with air conditioning, clean bathrooms, and traditional Swahili décor that reflects the heritage of the island. Some rooms offer sea views, enhancing the coastal atmosphere of your stay. The rooftop terrace is a hidden gem – perfect for catching sunsets or enjoying breakfast with a view.

The staff are friendly, helpful, and welcoming, always ready to assist with directions, tours, or special requests. While it’s not a luxury hotel, Forodhani provides excellent value for money and is ideal for travelers who prioritize location, cultural charm, and warm hospitality.

Overall, The Forodhani Hotel is a great choice for those who want to feel the pulse of Stone Town, enjoy local flavors, and stay within walking distance of major attractions like the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and bustling night markets.

Highly recommended for...

I would just like to ask everyone to be extra cautious with what is happening to the Forodhani market. This is an open-air food market right in front of the Old Fort and right by the sea which operates from 18:00 to 23:00. There have been several incidents where sellers tried to charge tourists with crazy amounts of money, so you should ALWAYS ASK FOR THE PRICELIST BEFORE YOU TALK TO THEM FURTHER. Each bench has a pricelist but they hide it under the table so that they can charge you whatever they want. They will try to put a plastic plate on your hands and then put staff on it, and then they will say "ok let me warm them up for you" and in no time you have already ordered without you even noticing. Then they bring you back the plate and they ask you to pay an enormous amount of money. So, be careful: DON'T EVEN TALK TO THEM UNLESS YOU HAVE A LOOK AT THE PRICELIST. The prices you will see there are still high comparing to the rest of the island, but then it will be up to you whether to buy...

Good collection of foods and amusements. However, I'm expecting more cleanliness. The same hot oil on a pan is used for frying various foods (veg and non-veg). The local people's food habits and preparation styles are probably like that. I saw lots of people enjoying themselves. Jumping on the ocean during the evening is really a very dangerous play and probably the trademark of this play. People are highly jovial, friendly, and welcoming. They never mind if you don't take any food from them after enjoying the preparation or spending time in front of their stall. I am here with my family and spending two evenings in this place—a perfect place for spending the evening and rejuvenating yourself. We have not taken any food from this park as we want to keep us away from non-veg items. However, I wondered why a few people unnecessarily approached us and started discussing. We are unable to understand their intentions. It might be their...